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13F Joint Fire Support Specialist

As a Joint Fire Support Specialist, you’ll gather intelligence and enemy target location to help the Army determine where and how to deploy artillery in mission-based situations. You’ll set up and operate communications systems, encode and decode messages, assist in the preparation of fire support plans, coordinate and target, operate laser range finders and target devices, and determine the target’s location using computers or manual calculations. Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.

ASVABGT 87
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsHeavy
ClearanceEligible for a Secret Security Clearance. Clearance eligibility is not guaranteed and assignment requirements can change.

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Joint Fire Support Specialist, you’ll gather intelligence and enemy target location to help the Army determine where and how to deploy artillery in mission-based situations.
  • You’ll set up and operate communications systems, encode and decode messages, assist in the preparation of fire support plans, coordinate and target, operate laser range finders and target devices, and determine the target’s location using computers or manual calculations.
  • Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Physical & Mental StrengthEncoding & Decoding MessagesWeapons OperationsPhysically and Mentally fit to perform under pressureAbility to multi-taskWorking as a team

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 0–9 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (10 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Emergency Management
  • Criminal Justice

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 13F experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Network Security Administrator

Illustrative salary information: $55,000–$125,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Public safety agencies, Government contractors, Industrial employers

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Network Security Administrator jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Emergency Response System Director

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Public safety agencies, Government contractors, Industrial employers

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Emergency Response System Director jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Land Surveyor

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Public safety agencies, Government contractors, Industrial employers

Credential note: Additional education and a civilian license or professional certification are typically required.

Search current Land Surveyor jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

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